Song of the Old Bullock-Driver
The poem describes a nostalgic and melancholic old man who reminisces about his past life as a bullock driver. He recalls the hardships and struggles of his youth, but also the sense of freedom and adventure that came with it. The poem explores themes of aging, nostalgia, and the passing of time.
By Henry Lawson · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Australian Literature, Pastoral · 726 words
First lines
Far back in the days when the blacks used to ramble In long single file 'neath the evergreen tree, The wool-teams in season came down from Coonamble, And journeyed for weeks on their way to the sea. 'Twas then that our hearts and our sinews were stronger, For those were the days when the bushman was bred. We journeyed on roads that were rougher and longer Than roads where the feet of our grandchildren tread.
What this Textopian page supports
Song of the Old Bullock-Driver is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Lawson, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Lawson
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Australian Literature, Pastoral, Historical, Adventure
- Length: 726 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Song of the Old Bullock-Driver by Henry Lawson
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Song of the Old Bullock-Driver?
- How does this poem by Henry Lawson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Joe Wilson And His Mates by Henry Lawson
- Australian Bards And Bush Reviewers by Henry Lawson
- Jack Dunn Of Nevertire by Henry Lawson
- Sweeney by Henry Lawson
- Corny Bill by Henry Lawson
- Send Round The Hat by Henry Lawson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Australian Literature — The setting, themes, and cultural references are distinctly Australian, reflecting the country's rural life and history.
- Pastoral — The poem idealizes rural life and the natural landscape, focusing on the journey through the countryside.
- Historical — The narrative reflects a historical period in Australia, referencing the lifestyle and challenges of bullock drivers.
Tags
Australian literature · Short story collection · Outback fiction · Rural life · Poverty · Social realism · Working class · Labor movement · Folk culture · Oral tradition · Ballad form · Narrative poetry